Hagop James Derentz

Hagop James Derentz of Danville, CA passed away peacefully Friday, April 5, 2024 at the age of 92.

Jim was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He attended high school at the American Academy on the island of Cyprus and graduated from the American University of Beirut in 1953.

Jim commenced on his “American Dream” with his wife and young daughter when he immigrated to the United States in 1961 via Bangor, Maine. This trip stayed long in his memories as it was a bold and adventurous 21-day journey across the Atlantic on the ocean tramp steamer “Nesser Vedder”.

Upon arrival in the United States, he drove cross country to eventually set roots in Los Angeles. He quickly established his importing and distribution auto parts company for foreign marques at various locations in the San Fernando Valley and finally in Camarillo. He was always trying new ideas in his business which included designing innovative products that he helped bring to market and was one of the first importers of parts into the USA from Brazil and Japan. He was a true pioneer in his industry for distribution and point-to-point delivery logistics long before they became the expected norm. His long involvement in the automotive industry also lent to sponsorships of racing events and a general love of sports cars and driving them.

From a modest apartment in Hollywood, he then resided in Northridge and in 1974 moved to Hidden Hills, then Thousand Oaks before moving to Northern California.

His wife’s deep interest in classical music would take the two of them to frequent concert nights and charity events and eventual members of “The Music Center Founders” of the LA Philharmonic.

Jim’s love for nature that he attributed to his boyhood years growing up in Africa, became a big part of his later years as he would love to tend to his garden, bird watch and host legendary outdoor barbecues for family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Seda Nalbandian Derentz, whom he had first set eyes upon, at the age of ten. They would have been married for 70 years in December and she was the love of his life. He also was the most loving father to his daughter and son and adored his five grandchildren.

Jim is survived by children and spouses, Cristina Costello of Danville; Edward and Ann Derentz (Leventen) of Danville. 

He was a doting grandfather to his adored grandchildren: grandson Danny Costello and spouse Melissa of Hayward, granddaughter Natalie Costello of Los Angeles, grandson  Edward C. Derentz of Pleasant Hill, grandson Gary Costello of Kentucky and granddaughter Madeline Derentz of San Francisco.

Jim you certainly were “one of kind” and will be missed by all those you touched always.